Hybrid cotton plants and seeds, and methods and systems of generating same

ABSTRACT

Novel hybrid cotton plants and seeds are provided herein. Also provided are methods and systems for generating such plants.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to new and distinctive hybrid cottonplants and, more particularly, to hybrid cotton plants designatedINTERCOTT-35, INTERCOTT-51, INTERCOTT-75, INTERCOTT-34, INTERCOTT-145,and INTERCOTT-83. The present invention also relates to methods andsystems of generating these hybrid cotton plants.

Cotton is an important and valuable field crop which is used tomanufacture textile products, oil, animal feed, cordage and othernon-woven products. Cotton production today is based mainly oncultivation of varieties of the species Gossypium hirsutum, known asUpland cotton. These cotton varieties are generally preferred for theirhigh lint yield potential, early maturity, and adaptation to adverseclimatic and growing conditions. On the other hand, the quality ofUpland cotton lint is considered low to medium.

Varieties of another species, G. barbadense, known as Pima cotton,constitute only 5-8% of the world cultivated cotton area. Pima varietiestypically produce superior lint having long, strong and fine fiber. Onthe other hand, these varieties usually have low yield potential,require a long growing season, and can only be cultivated in warmregions.

A primary objective of cotton breeding is to combine in a single cottonvariety an improved combination of desirable traits from both species,i.e., the high yield, early maturity and adaptability to diverse growingconditions of the Upland varieties, and the superior fiber qualities ofthe Pima varieties. However, attempts to transfer genes from one speciesto another, by way of interspecific crossing and backcrossing, havefailed [U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,971; Kohel and Lewis (1984) Cotton Agronomy(series of monographs) Amer. Soc. of Agr. 24: pp 589].

Another approach to obtaining genetic contributions from both species ina single variety is to use the first generation (F1) hybrid as avariety. New hybrid cotton varieties having an improved combination ofdesired and useful traits can be obtained from a single crossing of pureparental lines of both species, each with different but complimentarydesired traits.

Principles of hybrid cotton breeding are described by Davis [Hybridcotton: specific problems and potentials. (1984) Adv. Agron. 30:129-1571] and by Anon (1997) [Commercial cotton hybrids. The ICACRecorder. Vol. XV no. 2: 3-14].

There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highlyadvantageous to have interspecific hybrids of cotton having acombination of desirable traits derived from the G. Barbadense and G.hirsutum genomes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided ahybrid cotton plant, designated as INTERCOTT-35 which is produced bycrossing parental lines A-195 and R-208.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present invention also relates to aseed of the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture of regenerable cellsof the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture regenerating plants capableof expressing all the morphological and physiological characteristics ofthe hybrid cotton plant; and a tissue culture regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided ahybrid cotton plant, designated as INTERCOTT-51 which is produced bycrossing parental lines A-151 and R-208.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present invention also relates to aseed of the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture of regenerable cellsof the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture regenerating plants capableof expressing all the morphological and physiological characteristics ofthe hybrid cotton plant; and a tissue culture regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a hybrid cotton plant, designated as INTERCOTT-75, which isproduced by crossing parental lines A-175 and R-208.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present invention also relates to aseed of the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture of regenerable cellsof the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture regenerating plants capableof expressing all the morphological and physiological characteristics ofthe hybrid cotton plant; and a tissue culture regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a hybrid cotton plant, designated as INTERCOTT-34, which isproduced by crossing parental lines A-34 and R-208.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present invention also relates to aseed of the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture of regenerable cellsof the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture regenerating plants capableof expressing all the morphological and physiological characteristics ofthe hybrid cotton plant; and a tissue culture regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.

According to an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a hybrid cotton plant, designated as INTERCOTT-145, which isproduced by crossing parental lines A-14 and R-205.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present invention also relates to aseed of the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture of regenerable cellsof the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture regenerating plants capableof expressing all the morphological and physiological characteristics ofthe hybrid cotton plant; and a tissue culture regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.

According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a hybrid cotton plant, designated as INTERCOTT-83, which isproduced by crossing parental lines A-83 and R-208.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present invention also relates to aseed of the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture of regenerable cellsof the hybrid cotton plant; a tissue culture regenerating plants capableof expressing all the morphological and physiological characteristics ofthe hybrid cotton plant; and a tissue culture regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.

The present invention also relates to a cotton plant derived from any ofthe hybrid cotton plants described above, or their parts.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plant breedingtechniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, as a source ofplant breeding material, the method comprising utilizing cotton plantsA-195 and R-208 as a source of breeding material. The method of thisaspect of the present invention further relates to plant breedingtechniques selected from the group consisting of recurrent selection,backcrossing, pedigree breeding, restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection, andtransformation.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, as asource of plant breeding material, the method comprising utilizingcotton plants A-151 and R-208 as a source of breeding material. Themethod of this aspect of the present invention further relates to plantbreeding techniques selected from the group consisting of recurrentselection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection, andtransformation.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, as asource of plant breeding material, the method comprising utilizingcotton plants A-175 and R-208 as a source of breeding material. Themethod of this aspect of the present invention further relates to plantbreeding techniques selected from the group consisting of recurrentselection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection, andtransformation.

According to an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, as asource of plant breeding material, the method comprising utilizingcotton plants A-34 and R-208 as a source of breeding material. Themethod of this aspect of the present invention further relates to plantbreeding techniques selected from the group consisting of recurrentselection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection, andtransformation.

According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, as asource of plant breeding material, the method comprising utilizingcotton plants A-14 and R-205 as a source of breeding material. Themethod of this aspect of the present invention further relates to plantbreeding techniques selected from the group consisting of recurrentselection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection, andtransformation.

According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, as asource of plant breeding material, the method comprising utilizingcotton plants A-83 and R-208 as a source of breeding material. Themethod of this aspect of the present invention further relates to plantbreeding techniques selected from the group consisting of recurrentselection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection, andtransformation.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided asystem for developing a hybrid cotton plant using plant breedingtechniques, the system comprising cotton plants A-195 and R-208 or partsof the cotton plants as a source of the breeding material. Preferably,at least one of the cotton plants is male sterile and female fertile.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a system for developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques, the system comprising cotton plants A-151 and R-208or parts of the cotton plants as a source of the breeding material.Preferably, at least one of the cotton plants is male sterile,preferably characterized by a G. harknesii cytoplasm.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a system for developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques, the system comprising cotton plants A-175 and R-208or parts of the cotton plants as a source of the breeding material.Preferably, at least one of the cotton plants is male sterile preferablycharacterized by a G. harknesii cytoplasm.

According to an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a system for developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques, the system comprising cotton plants A-34 and R-208or parts of the cotton plants as a source of the breeding material.Preferably, at least one of the cotton plants is male sterile preferablycharacterized by a G. harknesii cytoplasm.

According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a system for developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques, the system comprising cotton plants A-14 and R-205or parts of the cotton plants as a source of the breeding material.Preferably, at least one of the cotton plants is male sterile preferablycharacterized by a G. harknesii cytoplasm.

According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a system for developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques, the system comprising cotton plants A-83 and R-208or parts of the cotton plants as a source of the breeding material.Preferably, at least one of the cotton plants is male sterile preferablycharacterized by a G. harknesii cytoplasm.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided acotton plant characterized by a combination of traits leading to acommercial yield higher than at least one parent of the cotton plantunder growth conditions, selected from the group consisting ofsuboptimal water supply, high level salinity (6-8 EC), suboptimaltemperature, suboptimal light, a growth cycle period shorter than 170days to full maturity (typically measured as opening of 95% of thebolls), and infestation of pathogens. This aspect of the inventionfurther relates to pathogens selected from the group consisting ofVerticillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Alternaria spp.

According to further features in preferred embodiments of the inventiondescribed bellow the cotton plant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-35and its parents are cotton plants A-195 and R-208.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the cotton plant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-51 and itsparents are cotton plants A-151 and R-208.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the cotton plant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-75 and itsparents are cotton plants A-175 and R-208.

According to still further features in the described preferred 5embodiments the cotton plant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-34 and itsparents are cotton plants A-34 and R-208.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the cotton plant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-145 andits parents are cotton plants A-14 and R-205.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the cotton plant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-83 and itsparents are cotton plants A-83 and R-208.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided aplanted field comprising cotton plants A-195 and R-208.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a planted field comprising cotton plants A-151 and R-208.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a planted field comprising cotton plants A-175 and R-208.

According to an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a planted field comprising cotton plants A-34 and R-208.

According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there isprovided a planted field comprising cotton plants A-14 and R-205.

According to still an additional aspect of the present invention thereis provided a planted field comprising cotton plants A-83 and R-208.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments at least one of the cotton plants of the planted field ismale sterile.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the field is characterized by a planting pattern enablingcross pollination between the two cotton plants described above,preferably aided by insects such as honey bees or bumble bees orperformed manually.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plant breedingtechniques, the method comprising utilizing a first cotton plantselected from the group consisting of A-195, A-151, A-175, A-34, A-14and A-83, and a second cotton plant selected from the group consistingof R-205 and R-208, as sources of breeding material.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a system for developing a hybrid cotton plant using plantbreeding techniques, the system comprising utilizing a first cottonplant selected from the group consisting of A-195, A-151, A-175, A-34,A-14 and A-83, and a second cotton plant selected from the groupconsisting of R-205 and R-208, as sources of breeding material.

The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of thepresently known configurations by providing hybrid cotton plants andmethods and systems of generating same, which cotton plants arecharacterized by a combination of highly desirable traits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now tothe drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are byway of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presentedin the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful andreadily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspectsof the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structuraldetails of the invention in more detail than is necessary for afundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken withthe drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the severalforms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a chart illustrating the breeding process and development ofthe hybrid cotton plants of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of hybrid cotton plants and methods ofproduction thereof. The plants are developed from a single interspecificcrossing between a male sterile Gossypium hirsutum female parent lineand a restorer Gossypium barbadense male parent line, and have superiorcharacteristics such as excellent lint quality, high yield, stresstolerance and disease resistance.

The principles and operation of the present invention may be betterunderstood with reference to the accompanying drawing and descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

Terminology

As used herein the term “line” and the term “genome” are usedinterchangeably to refer to the genetic complement contained in theplant.

As used herein the term “hybrid” refers to a first generation progeny(F1) of a cross between two different homozygous parental lines.

As used herein the phrase “interspecific hybrid” refers to the progenyof a cross between two different homozygous parental lines of twodifferent species.

As used herein the term “tolerance” refers to the ability of a plant toendure stress conditions without suffering serious crop loss.

As used herein the term “salinity” refers to soil which containssufficient soluble salt to adversely affect plant growth. Manyagricultural soils, in regions of low rainfall, are high in solublesalts. This condition is usually due to the fact that irrigation watersare high in soluble salt, or often accumulate salts in the watershedfrom which they are derived due to high evaporation. As the water isapplied to crop lands, salts are not leached out as fast as they areapplied.

As used herein the phrase “tolerance to salinity” refers to the abilityof a plant to endure the effect of salinity without suffering seriouscrop loss. Salinity tolerant varieties can be cultivated in marginalsaline soils, thereby enabling substantial expansion of land use.

As used herein the phrase “tolerance to suboptimal water supply” refersto the ability of a plant to endure the effect of drought or watershortage without suffering serious crop loss. Tolerant varieties whichovercome the damaging effect of drought, can be cultivated in arid orsemi-arid regions or when irrigation water is limited

As used herein the phrase “tolerance to suboptimal temperature” refersto the ability of a plant to endure the effect of unfavorable growthtemperature without suffering serious crop loss. Varieties which can becultivated in temperate climate areas enable substantial expansion ofland use. In addition, varieties which can tolerate lower than optimalsoil temperature also enable an early sowing of spring crops.

As used herein the term “resistance” refers to the ability of a plant toexclude or overcome the effect of a pathogen. Plant pathogens may causediseases resulting in serious crop losses. Varieties resistant topathogens provide an effective, inexpensive and ecologically beneficialapproach to controlling plant pathogens.

As used herein the phrase “full maturity” refers to the growth stagewhen cotton plants reach an average of 90-100% open bolls.

As used herein the phrase “fiber length” refers to the 2.5% span length(in inches) of fiber as measured by High Volume Instrumentation (HVI).

As used herein the phrase “fiber strength” refers to the force requiredto break a bundle of fibers as measured in grams per tex on the HVI.

As used herein the phrase “fiber fineness” refers to the fiber perimeterat maturity as measured in micronaire values ranging from about 2.0(very fine) to 6.0 (very course).

Cotton lint quality is measured according to fiber length, strength andfineness. Accordingly, the lint quality is considered higher when thefiber is longer, stronger and finer when the fiber is fully matured inopen boll.

Cotton is an important and valuable field crop. Thus, a primary goal ofcotton breeding is to select and develop plants that have the traitsthat result in superior varieties. It is estimated that 97% of the worldproduction of cotton is generated from varieties of two species,Gossypium hirsutum (Upland) and G. barbadense (Pima). Upland cottonvarieties are characterized by having relatively high yield potential,tolerance to adverse climatic and growth conditions. Yet, the lintproduced from Upland varieties is of relatively low to medium quality.On the other hand, Pima cotton varieties are characterized by havingless yield potential than the Upland and by not being adaptable toadverse climatic or growing conditions. Yet, the quality of lintproduced from Pima varieties is considered high to excellent. Hence itis highly desired to combine the economically advantageous traits fromthe two different species in a single cotton variety.

Thus, according to one aspect of this invention there is provided acotton plant designated INTERCOTT-35, representative seed of the cottonplant having been deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.: PTA-4832.

As illustrated in the Examples section which follows, INTERCOTT-35 hasnumerous important morphological and physiological characteristicsincluding a semi-erect growth habit, long fruit branches, largedark-green leaves, tipped oval shaped boll, an average number of 4-5locules per boll, averaging 140 days to reach 50 percent open bolls, anaverage number of 6 nodes before the first fruit branch (i.e. number ofnodes present on main stem under the first fruit bearing branch), plantheight of 110-130 cm at full maturity, medium pubescence of leaf andstem, presence of gossypol glands, presence of nectaries in flowers andleaves, light yellow petals, presence of flower petal spot, yellowflower pollen, seed index of 13.0 gram per 100 seeds, a light fuzzy seedcoat, lint content of 37 per cent, boll seed weight average of 4.5 gr,fiber length average of 1.34 inches, fiber strength average of 36-38gram per tex and fiber fineness of 3.7-3.9 micronaire, tolerance tosuboptimal water supply, and salinity; and resistance to Fusarium wilt,to Verticillium wilt, and to Alternaria leaf spot.

As is mentioned hereinabove, INTERCOTT-35 was generated by crossingfemale parental line A-195 and male parental line R-208. Thecharacteristic traits of these parental lines are provided in Tables 1and 2 of the Examples section that follows.

A comparison of INTERCOTT-35 to its parental lines (see, Examplessection), demonstrates that this interspecific hybrid exhibits severaleconomically and agronomically advantageous traits over its respectiveparental lines. In particular, Verticillium wilt resistance (comparedwith sensitive A-195), fiber fineness of 3.7-3.9 micronaire (comparedwith 4.3 micronaire of A-195), fiber strength of 36-38 gram per tex(compared with 27.5 and 33 micronaire of A-195 and R-208, respectively),lint percent of 37 (compared with 36.5 and 35 percent, of A-195 andR-208, respectively), and having short or light fuzzy seed coat enablingginning by either roller or saw systems. In addition, INTERCOTT-35 istolerant to suboptimal supply of water and to salinity.

Seeds of the hybrid cotton plant of this aspect of the present inventioncan be generated using breeding and selection techniques. For example,screening techniques such as restriction fragment length polymorphismselection or genetic marker selection, can be employed in combinationwith recurrent selection, pedigree breeding, transformation and/orbackcrossing to generate the most suitable parental lines used forhybrid seed production.

The goal of backcrossing is to alter or substitute a single trait orcharacteristic in a recurrent parental line. To accomplish this, asingle gene of the recurrent parental line is substituted orsupplemented with the desired gene from the nonrecurrent line, whileretaining essentially all of the rest of the desired genes, andtherefore the desired physiological and morphological constitution ofthe original line. The choice of the particular nonrecurrent parent willdepend on the purpose of the backcross. One of the major purposes is toadd some commercially desirable, agronomically important trait to theplant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristicor trait being altered or added to determine an appropriate testingprotocol. Although backcrossing methods are simplified when thecharacteristic being transferred is a dominant allele, a recessiveallele may also be transferred. In this instance, it may be necessary tointroduce a test of the progeny to determine if the desiredcharacteristic has been successfully transferred. Likewise, transgenescan be introduced into the plant using any of a variety of establishedtransformation methods well-known to persons skilled in the art, suchas: Gressel (1985) [Biotechnologically Conferring Herbicide Resistancein Crops: The Present Realities, In Molecular Form and Function of theplant Genome, L van Vloten-Doting, (ed.), Plenum Press, New York];Huftner, S. L., et al. (1992) [Revising Oversight of GeneticallyModified Plants. Bio/Technology]; Klee, H., et al. (1989) [Plant GeneVectors and Genetic Transformation: Plant Transformation Systems Basedon the use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Cell Culture and Somatic CellGenetics of Plants]; and Koncz, C., et al. (1986) [Molecular and GeneralGenetics]. Techniques for transforming cotton plants are described inUmbeck et al. (1987) [Bio/Technology 5:263-266]; Firoozabady et al.(1987) [Plant Mol. Biol. 10:105-116]; Finer and McMullen (1990) [PlantCell Rep. 8:586-589]; Bayley et al. (1992) [Theo. Appl. Genet.83:45-649]; Perlak et al. (1990) [Bio/Technology 8:939-943]; and U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,986,181; 5,846,797.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1 and described in the Examples section whichfollows, seeds of the cotton plant INTERCOTT-35 were generated using abreeding process which began with the generation of highly specificparental lines A-195 and R-208. Unless stated otherwise, plant growthconditions used for growing the parental and hybrid plants of thepresent invention are as described in the Example section which follows.

The breeding process initiates with a selection of G. hirsutim and G.barbadense plants suitable for initial breeding crosses. These parentallines are backcrossed for 6-8 generations to produce a series of purelines of each species, which, although different from each other, breedtrue and are highly uniform.

In a next breeding step, male sterility (MS) is introduced into one ofthe selected parental lines. The incorporation of MS is necessary inorder to facilitates large scale production of hybrid seeds.

There are several approaches for controlling male fertility available tobreeders, including manual or mechanical emasculation (or detasseling),cytoplasmic male sterility, gematocides, or genetic male sterility[Meyer (1973) Registration of sixteen germplasm lines of Upland cottonCrop. Sci. 13:778].

According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, selectedpure lines of G. hirsutum are backcrossed, as recurrent lines, with theMS breeding line DES HAMS-16 (Meyer, 1973), until male sterility isfully incorporated. Once completed, the male sterile lines of G.hirsutum are designated “A” lines and are used as female parental lines,while the respective recurrent original fertile lines are designated “B”lines and are used as maintainer lines. Subsequently, the male sterile“A” lines are essentially identical to their respective maintainer “B”lines, except for the male sterility trait. A description of preferredparental lines of G. hirsutum is provided in Table 1 of the Examplesection that follows.

On the other hand, selected pure lines of G. barbadense are backcrossedwith the MF breeding line DES HAF-16 (Meyer, 1973), until the dominantgene for fertility restoration is fully incorporated. Once completed,the G. barbadense lines capable of fertility restoration are designated“R” lines and were used as male parental lines. A description ofpreferred parental lines of G. barbadense is provided in Table 2 of theExamples section that follows.

In the final step of the breeding process a single cross is made betweena selected parental “A” (female) line of G. hirsutum, and a selected “R”restorer line of G. barbadense, to produce the interspecific hybridprogeny. The cross between two different pure (homozygous) linesproduces a uniform population of hybrid plants that may be heterozygousfor many gene loci. An important consequence of the homozygosity andhomogeneity of the parental lines is that the hybrid created by crossinga defined pair of parental lines will always be the same. Accordingly,the first interspecific hybrids are analyzed and selected for desiredtraits. Once the parental lines that create a superior hybrid have beenidentified, a continual supply of the hybrid seed can be produced usingthese parental lines and the hybrid cotton plants can then be generatedfrom this hybrid seed supply.

While reducing the present invention to practice, it was observed thatplants of the second generation (F2) of the interspecific hybrids of thepresent invention are characterized by high trait variation amongindividuals of the F2 progeny. In fact, the variation range exceededthat encompassing both inbred parent lines. However, such variationresulted in a progeny which included undesired genotypes.

Once established, INTERCOTT-35 can be propagated from hybrid seeds oralternatively by using tissue culturing techniques.

As used herein the phrase “tissue culture” refers to plant cells orplant parts from which cotton plants can be generated, including plantprotoplasts, plant cali, plant clumps, and plant cells that are intactin plants, or part of plants, such as seeds, leaves, stems, pollens,roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals, flowers, embryos, fibers andbolls.

Techniques of generating plant tissue culture and regenerating plantsfrom tissue culture are well known in the art. For example, suchtechniques are set forth by Vasil (1984) [Cell Culture and Somatic CellGenetics of Plants, Vol I, II, III Laboratory Procedures and TheirApplications Academic Press, New York]; Green et al. (1987) [PlantTissue and Cell Culture, Academic Press, New York]; Weissbach andWeissbach (1989) [Methods for Plant Molecular Biology, Academic Press];Gelvin et al. (1990) [Plant Molecular Biology Manual, Kluwer AcademicPublishers]; Evans et al. (1983) [Handbook of Plant Cell Culture,MacMillian Publishing Company, New York]; and Klee et al. (1987) [Ann.Rev. of Plant Phys. 38:467-486].

The tissue culture can be generated from cells or protoplasts of atissue selected from the group consisting of seeds, leaves, stems,pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals, flowers, embryos,fibers and bolls. Techniques of generating cotton plant tissue cultureand regenerating cotton plants from tissue culture are described, forexample, by Umbeck et al. (1987) [Bio/Technology 5:263-266]; Firoozabadyet al. (1987) [Plant Mol. Biol. 10:105-116]; Finer J. (1988) [Plant CellRep. 6:231-234]; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,986,181; 5,846,797.

Thus, this aspect of the present invention provides novel hybrid cottonplants, seeds and tissue culture for generating same. This aspect of thepresent invention further provides a system for developing such a hybridcotton plant which system includes cotton plants A-195 and R-208 orparts of thereof as a source of the breeding material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda cotton plant designated INTERCOTT-51, representative seed of thecotton plant having been deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.:PTA-4833.

As is illustrated in the Examples section which follows, INTERCOTT-51has numerous important morphological and physiological characteristicsincluding a medium-open growth habit, long fruit branches, largelight-green leaves, tipped oval shaped boll, an average number of 4-5locules per boll, averaging 130 days to reach 50 percent open bolls, anaverage node number of 5.5 before the first fruit branch, plant heightof 100-110 cm at full maturity, sparse pubescence of leaf and stem,presence of gossypol glands, presence of nectaries in flowers andleaves, light yellow petals, presence of flower petal spot, yellowflower pollen, seed index of 12.5 gram per 100 seeds, a light fuzzy seedcoat, lint content of 36.5 per cent, fiber length average of 1.33inches, fiber strength average of 32-34 gram per tex and fiber finenessof 3.7-3.9 micronaire, tolerance to suboptimal water supply; andresistance to Fusarium wilt, to Verticillium wilt, and to Alternarialeaf spot.

As is mentioned hereinabove, INTERCOTT-51 was generated by crossingfemale parental line A-151 and male parental line R-208. Thecharacteristic traits of these parental lines are provided in Tables 1and 2 of the Examples section that follows.

A comparison of INTERCOTT-51 to its parental lines, demonstrates thatthis interspecific hybrid exhibits several economically andagronomically advantageous traits over its respective parental lines. Inparticular, Verticillium wilt resistance (compared with sensitiveA-151), fiber length of 1.33 inches (compared with 1.13 and 1.25 inchesof A-151 and R-208, respectively), fiber strength of 32-34 gram per tex(compared with 28 and 33 micronaire of A-151 and R-208, respectively),and having short or light fuzzy seed coat enabling ginning by eitherroller or saw systems after adjusting (reducing) the process speed. Inaddition, INTERCOTT-51 is characterized with concentrated yield and withtolerance to suboptimal water supply such as under limited irrigationconditions.

Seeds of the hybrid cotton plant of this aspect of the present inventioncan be generated using breeding and selection techniques as describedhereinabove. Accordingly, seeds of the cotton plant INTERCOTT-51 weregenerated using a breeding process which began with the generation ofhighly specific parental lines A-151 and R-208, as described hereinaboveand as is illustrated in FIG. 1 and in the Examples section whichfollows.

Once established, INTERCOTT-51 can be propagated from hybrid seeds oralternatively by using tissue culturing techniques, as describedhereinabove. Thus, this aspect of the present invention provides novelhybrid cotton plants, seeds and tissue culture for generating same. Thisaspect of the present invention further provides a system for developingsuch a hybrid cotton plant which system includes cotton plants A-151 andR-208 or parts of thereof as a source of the breeding material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda cotton plant designated INTERCOTT-75, representative seed of thecotton plant having been deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.:PTA-4834.

As is illustrated in the Examples section which follows, INTERCOTT-75has numerous important morphological and physiological characteristicsincluding a short-open growth habit, medium fruit branches, mediumlight-green leaves, tipped oval shaped boll, an average number of 4locules per boll, averaging 120 days to reach 50 percent open bolls, anaverage number of 5 nodes before the first fruit branch, plant height of90-100 cm at full maturity, medium pubescence of leaf and stem, presenceof gossypol glands, presence of nectaries in flowers and leaves, lightyellow petals, presence of flower petal spot, yellow flower pollen, seedindex of 12 gram per 100 seeds, a light fuzzy seed coat, lint content of36 per cent, fiber length average of 1.32 inches, fiber strength averageof 31-33 gram per tex and fiber fineness of 3.8-3.9 micronaire; andresistance to Fusarium wilt, to Verticillium wilt, and to Alternarialeaf spot.

As is mentioned hereinabove, INTERCOTT-75 was generated by crossingfemale parental line A-175 and male parental line R-208. Thecharacteristic traits of these parental lines are provided in Tables 1and 2 of the Examples section that follows.

A comparison of INTERCOTT-75 to its parental lines, demonstrates thatthis interspecific hybrid exhibits several economically andagronomically advantageous traits over its respective parental lines. Inparticular, Verticillium wilt resistance (compared with sensitiveA-175), fiber length of 1.32 inches (compared with 1.12 and 1.25 inchesof A-75 and R-208, respectively), and having short or light fuzzy seedcoat enabling ginning by either roller or saw systems. In addition,INTERCOTT-75 is characterized by being adapted for a short seasonrequiring just 120 days to achieve maturity of 50 percent open boll.

Seeds of the hybrid cotton plant of this aspect of the present inventioncan be generated using breeding and selection techniques as describedhereinabove. Accordingly, seeds of the cotton plant INTERCOTT-75 weregenerated using a breeding process which began with the generation ofhighly specific parental lines A-175 and R-208, as described hereinaboveand as is illustrated in FIG. 1 and in the Examples section whichfollows.

Once established, INTERCOTT-75 can be propagated from hybrid seeds oralternatively by using tissue culturing techniques, as describedhereinabove. Thus, this aspect of the present invention provides novelhybrid cotton plants, seeds and tissue culture for generating same. Thisaspect of the present invention further provides a system for developingsuch a hybrid cotton plant which system includes cotton plants A-175 andR-208 or parts of thereof as a source of the breeding material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda cotton plant designated INTERCOTT-34, representative seed of thecotton plant having been deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.:PTA-4831.

As is illustrated in the Examples section which follows, INTERCOTT-34has numerous important morphological and physiological characteristicsincluding a narrow growth habit, short fruit branches, large, wide anddark-green leaves; tipped oval shaped boll, an average number of 4-5locules per boll, averaging 125 days to reach 50 percent open bolls, anaverage number of 5 nodes before the first fruit branch, plant height of90-100 cm at full maturity, medium pubescence of leaf and stem, presenceof gossypol glands, presence of nectaries in flowers and leaves, lightyellow petals, presence of flower petal spot, yellow flower pollen, seedindex of 13.5 gram per 100 seeds, a light fuzzy seed coat, lint contentof 37.5 per cent, fiber length average of 1.33 inches, fiber strengthaverage of 34-36 gram per tex and fiber fineness of 3.8-4.0 micronaire,tolerance to Verticillium wilt, resistance to Fusarium wilt, andresistance to Alternaria leaf spot.

As is mentioned hereinabove, INTERCOTT-34 was generated by crossingfemale parental line A-34 and male parental line R-208. Thecharacteristic traits of these parental lines are provided in Tables 1and 2 of the Examples section that follows.

A comparison of INTERCOTT-34 to its parental lines, demonstrates thatthis interspecific hybrid exhibits several economically andagronomically advantageous traits over its respective parental lines. Inparticular, Verticillium wilt tolerance (compared with sensitive A-34),fiber length of 1.33 inches (compared with 1.14 and 1.25 inches of A-34and R-208, respectively), fiber strength of 34-36 gram per tex (comparedwith 28.5 and 33 gram per tex of A-34 and R-208, respectively, andhaving short or light fuzzy seed coat enabling ginning by either rolleror saw systems. In addition, INTERCOTT-34 has a restrained growth habit,concentrated crop and a high yield potential.

Seeds of the hybrid cotton plant of this aspect of the present inventioncan be generated using breeding and selection techniques as describedhereinabove. Accordingly, seeds of the cotton plant INTERCOTT-34 weregenerated using a breeding process which began with the generation ofhighly specific parental lines A-34 and R-208, as described hereinaboveand as is illustrated in FIG. 1 and in the Examples section whichfollows.

Once established, INTERCOTT-34 can be propagated from hybrid seeds oralternatively by using tissue culturing techniques, as describedhereinabove. Thus, this aspect of the present invention provides novelhybrid cotton plants, seeds and tissue culture for generating same. Thisaspect of the present invention further provides a system for developingsuch a hybrid cotton plant which system includes cotton plants A-34 andR-208 or parts of thereof as a source of the breeding material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda cotton plant designated INTERCOTT-145, representative seed of thecotton plant having been deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.:PTA-4836.

As is illustrated in the Examples section which follows, INTERCOTT-145has numerous important morphological and physiological characteristicsincluding a medium-open growth habit, long fruit branches, medium, darkolive-green leaves; tipped oval shaped boll, an average number of 4-5locules per boll, averaging 130 days to reach 50 percent open bolls, anaverage number of 6 nodes before the first fruit branch, plant height of110-120 cm at fall maturity, high pubescence of leaf and stem, presenceof gossypol glands, presence of nectaries in flowers and leaves, lightyellow petals, presence of flower petal spot, yellow flower pollen, seedindex of 12.5 gram per 100 seeds, a light fuzzy seed coat, lint contentof 38 per cent, fiber length average of 1.34 inches, fiber strengthaverage of 33-35 gram per tex and fiber fineness of 3.8-3.9 micronaire,resistance to Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Alternaria leaf spot,and tolerance to sucking pests such as Cicadellidae.

As is mentioned hereinabove, INTERCOTT-145 was generated by crossingfemale parental line A-14 and male parental line R-205. Thecharacteristic traits of these parental lines are provided in Tables 1and 2 of the Examples section that follows.

A comparison of INTERCOTT-145 to its parental lines, demonstrates thatthis interspecific hybrid exhibits several economically andagronomically advantageous traits over its respective parental lines. Inparticular, Verticillium wilt resistance (compared with sensitive A-14),fiber length of 1.34 inches compared with 1.13 and 1.29 inches of A-14and R-205, respectively), fiber strength of 33-35 gram per tex (comparedwith 28.5 and 34 gram per tex of A-14 and R-205, respectively), fiberfineness of 3.8-3.9 micronaire (compared with 4.4 and 3.8 of A-14 andR-208, respectively), and having short or light fuzzy seed coat enablingginning by either roller or saw systems. In addition, INTERCOTT-145 hasan excellent recovery and is high yielding.

Seeds of the hybrid cotton plant of this aspect of the present inventioncan be generated using breeding and selection techniques as describedhereinabove. Accordingly, seeds of the cotton plant INTERCOTT-145 weregenerated using a breeding process which began with the generation ofhighly specific parental lines A-14 and R-205, as described hereinaboveand as is illustrated in FIG. 1 and in the Examples section whichfollows.

Once established, INTERCOTT-145 can be propagated from hybrid seeds oralternatively by using tissue culturing techniques, as describedhereinabove. Thus, this aspect of the present invention provides novelhybrid cotton plants, seeds and tissue culture for generating same. Thisaspect of the present invention further provides a system for developingsuch a hybrid cotton plant which system includes cotton plants A-14 andR-205 or parts of thereof as a source of the breeding material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda cotton plant designated INTERCOTT-83, representative seed of thecotton plant having been deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.:PTA-4835.

As is illustrated in the Examples section which follows, INTERCOTT-83has numerous important morphological and physiological characteristicsincluding a medium growth habit, long fruit branches, medium, lightgreen leaves; tipped oval shaped boll, an average number of 4-5 loculesper boll, averaging 125 days to reach 50 percent open bolls, an averagenumber of 6 nodes before the first fruit branch, plant height of 90-100cm at full maturity, sparse pubescence of leaf and stem, presence ofgossypol glands, presence of nectaries in flowers and leaves, lightyellow petals, presence of flower petal spot, yellow flower pollen, seedindex of 12.5 gram per 100 seeds, a naked seed coat, lint content of37.5 per cent, fiber length average of 1.33 inches, fiber strengthaverage of 32-34 gram per tex and fiber fineness of 3.5-3.6 micronaire,resistance to Fusarium wilt, resistance to Verticillium wilt andresistance to Alternaria leaf spot.

As is mentioned hereinabove, INTERCOTT-83 was generated by crossingfemale parental line A-83 and male parental line R-208. Thecharacteristic traits of these parental lines are provided in Tables 1and 2 of the Examples section that follows.

A comparison of INTERCOTT-83 to its parental lines, demonstrates thatthis interspecific hybrid exhibits several economically andagronomically advantageous traits over its respective parental lines. Inparticular, Verticillium wilt resistance (compared with sensitive A-83),fiber length of 1.33 inches (compared with 1.13 and 1.29 inches of A-83and R-208, respectively), fiber strength of 32-34 gram per tex (comparedwith 27.5 and 33 gram per tex of A-83 and R-208, respectively), fiberfineness of 3.5-3.6 micronaire (compared with 4.1 and 3.7 micronaire ofA-83 and R-208, respectively), and having naked seed coat that isparticularly suitable for roller ginning. In addition, INTERCOTT-83 ishigh yielding and particularly adapted for short season requiring just125 days to achieve maturity of 50 percent open boll.

Seeds of the hybrid cotton plant of this aspect of the present inventioncan be generated using breeding and selection techniques as describedhereinabove. Accordingly, seeds of the cotton plant INTERCOTT-83 weregenerated using a breeding process which began with the generation ofhighly specific parental lines A-83 and R-208, as described hereinaboveand as is illustrated in FIG. 1 and in the Examples section whichfollows.

Once established, INTERCOTT-83 can be propagated from hybrid seeds oralternatively by using tissue culturing techniques, as describedhereinabove. Thus, this aspect of the present invention provides novelhybrid cotton plants, seeds and tissue culture for generating same. Thisaspect of the present invention further provides a system for developingsuch a hybrid cotton plant which system includes cotton plants A-83 andR-208 or parts of thereof as a source of the breeding material.

The interspecific hybrids of cotton disclosed herein have certainmorphological and growth traits which differ from pure line varieties ofeither species and as such, these hybrid varieties are advantageous botheconomically and agronomically. Advantage of the interspecific hybridsof the present invention include superior adaptation to adverse growthconditions, resistant to pathogens, high yield, and superior lintquality.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the presentinvention will become apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art uponexamination of the following examples, which are not intended to belimiting. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects ofthe present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in theclaims section below finds experimental support in the followingexamples.

EXAMPLES

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with theabove descriptions, illustrate the invention in a non limiting fashion.

Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory proceduresutilized in the present invention include plant breeding and selectiontechniques. Such techniques are thoroughly explained in the literature.See, for example, Janick, J. (2001) Plant Breeding Reviews, John Wiley &Sons, is 252 p.; Jensen, N. F. ed. (1988) Plant Breeding Methodology,John Wiley & Soms, 676 p., Richard, A. J. ed. (1990) Plant BreedingSystems, Unwin Hyman, 529 p.; Walter, F. R. ed. (1987) Plant Breeding,Vol. I Theory and Techniques, Macmillan Pub. Co.; Slavko, B. ed. (1990)Principles and Methods of plant Breeding, Elsevier, 386 p.; and Allard,R. W. ed. (1999) Principles of Plant Breeding, John-Wiley & Sons, 240p.; Cotton breeding techniques are described by Anon. (1977). CommercialCotton Hybrids. The ICAC Recorder. Vol. XV no. 2: 3-14; and Davis D. D.(1978) Hybrid Cotton: Specific Problems and Potentials. Adv. Agron. 30:129-1571; all of which are incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein. Other general references are provided throughout thisdocument. The procedures therein are believed to be well known in theart and are provided for the convenience of the reader. All theinformation contained therein is incorporated herein by reference.

Breeding Process and Interspecific Hybrids Development

Germplasm collection: A rich and diversified cotton germplasm collectionwas established by collecting genotypes from various internationalsources. Gossypium barbadense germplasm was collected from China,Central Asia, Barbados island, USA and Peru. The genotypes were searchedfor traits including: early maturation, desired number of bolls perplant, resistance or tolerance to soil-borne diseases, adaptation toadverse climates and growth conditions, and exceptional fibercharacteristics. G. hirsutum germplasm was collected from USA, India,China and Central Asia. The genotypes were searched for traitsincluding: high yield potential, restrained growth, compatibility withG. barbadense, and resistance to plant diseases.

Agronomic growth conditions: Cotton plants were cultivated during thespring season in fields of clay loam soil located at the coastal valleyof Israel. The plots were drip or sprinkler irrigated with 250-300 mm ofwater during the course of the growth season. N,P,K fertilizers wereadded according to soil analysis and pesticides were administered whenrequired to maintain healthy crops. Plant height was restrained byapplying growth regulator Mepiquat Chloride (Pix) at early or latestages with 300-1500 ml per hectare.

Parent lines selection: Selected genotypes were planted in a “BreedingGarden” where hybridizations took place. Two, three and four way crosseswere made mainly between genotypes within each species to produceapproximately 200 segregating F2 populations. Pedigree selectionsstarted in F2 populations which showed promising genetic variation andcarried out for 6 to 8 consecutive selfing generations until achievingan acceptable homozygosity. Cross-species hybridizations were made usingthe G. hirsutum lines as female parents while the G. babadense linesserved as male parents. The F1 plants were then evaluated based on basicparameters including: number and size of bolls, plant height, lintyield, lint percent, and fiber characteristics (length, strength andfineness). Based on the best performing F1 crosses, about 15 lines of G.barbadense (males) and 50 lines of G. hirsutum (females) were selectedfor conducting crosses of most of the combinations between male andfemale parents. Accordingly, pure lines having the superior combiningability and seed setting were selected.

Introduction of male sterility: The selected pure lines were providedwith the male-sterility system using the germplasm lines according toMeyer (1973) [Registration of sixteen germplasm lines of Upland cotton.Crop Sci. 13: 778].

Accordingly, selected G. hirsutum lines were backcrossed, with thebreeding line DES HAMS-16 to become male sterile (MS) female parents.The MS lines were designated “A” lines, while the recurrent originalfertile lines became the maintainers of their MS lines respectively,designated as “B” lines. Selected pure breeding lines of G. hirsutumchosen for further breeding were designated A/B-195, A/B-151, A/B-34,A/B-83 and A/B-14. The traits of these selected G. hirsutum female linesare described in Table 1 bellow. TABLE 1 Description of Gossypiumhirsutum parent lines Gossypium hirsutum (Upland) “A/B” lines Trait #195 # 175 # 83 # 151 # 34 # 14 Plant type erect open normal open narrownormal Fruit branches medium short medium medium V. short medium(Length) Leaf type normal medium medium small large medium (size) Leafcolor dark green Light dark dark normal (green) Boll shape oval roundedOval rounded rounded rounded No. locules/ 4-5 4 4 4 4-5 4 boll Maturity-130 100 110 120 120 120 days to 50% open boll Node no. 5 4 4.5 5 4.5 5of 1^(st) fruit branch Plant height 120 90 110 110 100 110 cm. (at fullmaturity) Pubescence of medium medium Sparse sparse medium sparse leaf &stem Gossypol present present present present present present GlandsNectaries present present present present present present Flower petalscream cream cream cream cream cream Flower petal absent absent absentabsent absent absent spot Flower pollen cream cream cream cream creamcream Seed Index 12 10.5 11.5 11 12.5 11.5 (gr/100 seeds) Seed coatfuzzy fuzzy Fuzzy fuzzy fuzzy fuzzy less Lint percent 36.5 36 37 37 37.538.5 Seed cotton 6.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 7.0 6.0 (gr/boll) Fiber length 1.151.12 1.13 1.13 1.14 1.13 (inches) Fiber 27.5 27.5 27.5 28 28.5 28.5Strength (gr/tex) Fineness 4.3 4.1 4.1 4.4 4.3 4.5 (Micronaire) Fusariumwilt resistant resistant resistant resistant resistant resistantVerticillium no no no no no no wilt resistance

Selected G. barbadense lines were backcrossed with the breeding line DESHAF-16 to incorporate the dominant gene for fertility restoration. Lineswhich showed the capacity to restore fertility were selected as restorermale parents, and designated as “R” lines. The selected pure breedinglines of G. barbadense were designated R-208 and R-205. The traits ofthese selected G. barbanense restores male lines are described in Table2 bellow. TABLE 2 Description of Gossypium barbadense parent linesGossypium barbadense (Pima) Trait R-208 R-205 Plant type open normalFruit branches long medium (Length) Leaf type (size) normal Small Leafcolor Light Olive (green) Boll shape elongated Elongate No. locules/boll3 3 Maturity- days to 140 150 50% open boll Node no. of 1^(st) 6 6.5fruit branch Plant height cm. 90 100 (at full maturity) Pubescence ofsparse High leaf & stem Gossypol Glands present present Nectariespresent present Flower petals yellow yellow Flower petal spot presentpresent Flower pollen yellow yellow Seed Index 10 10.5 (gr/100 seeds)Seed coat Fuzzy less naked Lint percent 35 36 Seed cotton 3.0 3.5(gr/boll) Fiber length 1.25 1.29 (inches) Fiber Strength 33 34 (gr/tex)Fineness 3.7 3.8 (Micronaire) Fusarium wilt resistant tolerantVerticillium wilt resistant resistant resistance

Interspecific hybrids development: Hybridizations were made between the“A” and “R” parental lines under field conditions using honeybees aspollinators. This operation enabled increasing production of F1 hybridseeds. The hybrid performance was evaluated in field trials carried outduring 2-3 consecutive seasons at several locations. Hybrids exhibitingsuperior yield and lint quality were selected for additional regionalfield trials carried under variable climatic and growing conditions,including conditions of drought, salinity, short season, excessivecloudiness, low temperature and infestation with pathogens. The finalselection of hybrids was based on high lint quality, higher yield,concentrated yield, and tolerance to adverse climatic and growingconditions.

Interspecific Hybrids Description

The selected interspecific hybrids of the present invention weredesignated INTERCOTT-35, INTERCOTT-51, INTERCOTT-75, INTERCOTT-34,INTERCOTT-145 and INTERCOTT-83. All selected hybrids exhibit agronomicadvantages over non-hybrid varieties and share the following traits:

-   -   (a) a rapid seedling emergence and early growth rate, even at        low temperature;    -   (b) a high water-use efficiency;    -   (c) a high tolerance to plant pathogens, e.g., as Verticilium        Spp. and Fussarium Spp., and Alternaria Spp.;    -   (d) the number and size of flower bud (square) is similar to        that typically found in G. barbadense;    -   (e) the structure and size of flower is similar to that        typically found in G. barbadense;    -   (f) the flower is large and corolla color is light yellow;    -   (g) the shape of boll is similar to that typically found in G.        barbadense but larger;    -   (h) the boll is comprised of 4-5 cells similarly to G. hirsutum;    -   (i) the size of boll is similar to that typically found in G.        hirsutum; and    -   (j) the seed coat is covered by a short or light fuzz        facilitating ginning by both roller and saw systems.

The selected hybrids are individually characterized by traits such as anadaptation to specific climatic or growing conditions, duration ofgrowth cycle, yield potential, and fiber/lint quality characteristicvalues. The respective parental lines and traits of the selected hybridsare summarized in Tables 3a and 3b bellow. TABLE 3a Description ofCotton Hybrids Hybrid name INTER- INTER- INTER- COTT-35 COTT-51 COTT-75Male parent R - 208 R - 208 R - 208 Female parent A - 195 A - 151 A -175 Plant type Semi erect Medium open Short open Fruit branches LongLong medium Leaf type Large Large medium Leaf color Dark green lightgreen Light green Boll shape Tipped Oval Tipped Oval Tipped Oval No.locules/boll 4-5 4-5 4 Maturity- days 140 130 120 to 50% open boll No.node of 1^(st) 6 5.5 5 fruit branch Plant height cm. 110-130 100-110 90-100 (at full maturity) Pubescence of Medium Sparse medium Leaf &stem Gossypol Glands Present Present present Nectaries - floral PresentPresent present & leaf Flower petals Yellowish Yellowish yellowishFlower petal spot Present Present present Flower pollen Yellow Yellowyellow Seed index- g/100 13.0 12.5 12.0 Seed coat Light fuzzy Lightfuzzy Light fuzzy Lint percent 37 36.5 36 Seed cotton g/boll 4.5 4.5 4Fiber length inch. 1.34 1.33 1.32 Fiber strength. g/tex 36-38 32-3431-33 Fineness (mic.) 3.7-3.9 3.7-3.9 3.8-3.9 Fusarium wilt ResistantResistant Resistant Verticillium wilt Resistant Resistant ResistantAlternaria leaf sp. Resistant Resistant Resistant Adaptation to/ Todrought & For Medium For Short recommendations salinity season seasonExpected output - High yield Concentrate Early In addition to high underStress yield under flowering & lint quality conditions limitedirrigation maturation

TABLE 3b Description of Cotton Hybrids Hybrid name INTER- INTER- INTER-COTT-34 COTT-145 COTT-83 Male parent R - 208 R - 205 R - 208 Femaleparent A - 34 A - 14 A - 83 Plant type Narrow Medium open medium Fruitbranches Short Long long Leaf type Large wide Medium medium Leaf colorDark green Dark olive Light green Boll shape Tipped Oval Tipped OvalTipped Oval No. locules/boll 4-5 4 4-5 Maturity- days 125 130 125 to 50%open boll No. node of 1^(st) 5 6 6 fruit branch Plant height cm.  90-100110-120  90-100 (at full maturity) Pubescence of Medium High Sparse leaf& stem Gossypol Glands Present Present Present Nectaries - floralPresent Present Present & leaf Flower petals Yellowish Yellowishyellowish Flower petal spot Present Present present Flower pollen YellowYellow yellow Seed index- g/100 13.5 12.5 12.5 Seed coat Light fuzzyLight fuzzy naked Lint percent 37.5 38 37.5 Seed cotton g/boll 5 5 4.5Fiber length inch. 1.33 1.34 1.33 Fiber strength. g/tex 34-36 33-3532-34 Fineness (mic.) 3.8-4.0 3.8-3.9 3.5-3.6 Fusarium wilt ResistantResistant Resistant Verticillium wilt Tolerant Resistant ResistantAlternaria leaf sp. Resistant Resistant Resistant Adaptation to/Restrained Medium-short Partly recommendations growth season irrigationExpected output - High, Excellent High yield in In addition to highconcentrate recovery; High short season; lint quality yield yield;tolerance particularly to insects such as suitable for Jussids rollerginning (Cicadellidae)

As is demonstrated by Table 3a, hybrid INTERCOTT-35 exhibits high yieldpotential under stress conditions, adaptation to drought, adaptation tosalinity, resistance to Fusarium wilt, resistance to Verticillium wilt,resistance to Alternaria leaf spot, and high lint quality; hybridINTERCOTT-51 demonstrates concentrated yield under limited irrigation,superiority for medium season, resistance to Fusarium wilt, resistanceto Verticillium wilt, resistance to Alternaria leaf spot, and high lintquality; while hybrid INTERCOTT-75 demonstrates early flowering andmaturation, resistance to Fusarium wilt, resistance to Verticilliumwilt, resistance to Alternaria leaf spot, and high lint quality.

As is demonstrated by Table 3b, hybrid INTERCOTT-34 demonstrates highyield potential, concentrated yield, resistance to Fusarium wilt,resistance to Verticillium wilt, resistance to Alternaria leaf spot, andhigh lint quality; hybrid INTERCOTT-145 demonstrates a uniquecombination of hairy leaf and stem surfaces which contribute to hightolerance to sucking insects such as “Jussids” (Cicadellidae), highyield potential, excellent recovery, resistance to Fusarium wilt,resistance to Verticillium wilt, resistance to Alternaria leaf spot, andhigh lint quality; while hybrid INTERCOTT-83 demonstrates high yieldpotential in short season, resistance to Fusarium wilt, resistance toVerticillium wilt, resistance to Alternaria leaf spot, and high lintquality, in particular following roller ginning.

In summary, the interspecific hybrids generated by the present inventionexhibit morphological and growth traits distinct from pure linevarieties of either species. The selected interspecific hybrids arecharacterized by being superiorly adapted to adverse growth conditions,such as drought or salinity stress; by having high fiber yield andquality potential; and by enabling fiber separation by both roller andsaw ginning.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patentapplications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated intheir entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extentas if each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein byreference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference inthis application shall not be construed as an admission that suchreference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Deposit Information

Propagating material of the cotton plant varieties of the presentinvention is maintained by American Type Culture Collection (Manassas,Va. 20110) since Dec. 2, 2002 under the following depository numbers:INTERCOTT-35—ATCC PTA-4832; INTERCOTT-51—ATCC PTA-4833;INTERCOTT-75—ATCC PTA-4834; INTERCOTT-34—ATCC PTA-4831;INTERCOTT-145—ATCC PTA-4836; and INTERCOTT-83—ATCC PTA-4835.

1. A hybrid cotton plant designated INTERCOTT-35, representative seed ofsaid hybrid cotton plant having been deposited under ATCC PatentDepository No.: PTA-4831.
 2. Seed of said hybrid cotton plant ofclaim
 1. 3. A tissue culture of regenerable cells of said hybrid cottonplant of claim
 1. 4. The tissue culture of claim 3, wherein the tissueculture regenerates plants capable of expressing all the morphologicaland physiological characteristics of said hybrid cotton plant.
 5. Atissue culture of claim 4, wherein said tissue culture is regeneratedfrom cells or protoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consistingof seeds, leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules,petals, flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.
 6. A cotton plant, or itsparts, wherein at least one ancestor of said hybrid cotton plant is thecotton plant INTERCOTT-35, said cotton plant capable of expressing atleast one trait selected from the group consisting of a tolerance tosuboptimal water supply, a tolerance to salinity, a tolerance tosuboptimal temperature, a tolerance to suboptimal light, a resistance toFusarium wilt, a resistance to Verticillium wilt, a resistance toAlternaria leaf spot, an average period of 140 days to 50 percent openboll, a fiber length average not lower than 1.34 inches, a filerstrength average not lower than 36 gram per tex, a fiber finenessaverage not higher than 3.9 micronaire, tipped oval shaped boll, anaverage number of 4-5 locules per boll and light yellow petals.
 7. Amethod of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plant breedingtechniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, as a source ofplant breeding material, the method comprising utilizing cotton plantsGossypium hirsutum designated line A-195, and Gossypium barbadensedesignated line R-208 as a source of breeding material.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the plant breeding techniques are selected from thegroup consisting of recurrent selection, backcrossing, pedigreebreeding, restriction fragment length polymorphism enhanced selection,genetic marker enhanced selection, and transformation.
 9. A system fordeveloping a hybrid cotton plant using plant breeding techniques, thesystem comprising cotton plants A-195 and R-208 or parts of said cottonplants as a source of the breeding material.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein at least one of said cotton plants is male sterile.
 11. A cottonplant characterized by a combination of traits leading to a commercialyield higher than at least one parent of the cotton plant under growthconditions, selected from the group consisting of suboptimal watersupply, suboptimal salinity, suboptimal temperature, suboptimal light, agrowth cycle period shorter than 170 days, and infestation of pathogens.12. The cotton plant of claim 11, wherein said pathogens are selectedfrom the group consisting of Verticillium spp., Fusarium spp., andAlternaria spp.
 13. The cotton plant of claim 11, wherein the cottonplant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-35 and its parents are cottonplants A-195 and R-208.
 14. A planted field comprising cotton plantsA-195 and R-208.
 15. The planted field of claim 14, wherein at least oneof said cotton plants is male sterile.
 16. The planted field of claim14, wherein the field is characterized by a planting pattern enablingcross pollination between cotton plants A-195 and R-208.
 17. A plantedfield comprising cotton plants B-195 and R-208.
 18. A hybrid cottonplant designated INTERCOTT-51, representative seed of said hybrid cottonplant having been deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.: PTA-4833.19. Seed of said hybrid cotton plant of claim
 18. 20. A tissue cultureof regenerable cells of said hybrid cotton plant of claim
 18. 21. Thetissue culture of claim 20, wherein the tissue culture regeneratesplants capable of expressing all the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of said hybrid cotton plant.
 22. A tissue culture ofclaim 21, wherein said tissue culture is regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.
 23. A cotton plant, or its parts,wherein at least one ancestor of said hybrid cotton plant is the cottonplant INTERCOTT-5 1, said cotton plant capable of expressing at leastone trait selected from the group consisting of a tolerance tosuboptimal water supply, a tolerance to salinity, a tolerance tosuboptimal temperature, a tolerance to suboptimal light, a resistance toFusarium wilt, a resistance to Verticillium wilt, a resistance toAlternaria leaf spot, an average period of 130 days to 50 percent openboll, a fiber length average not lower than 1.33 inches, a fiberstrength average not lower than 34 gram per tex, a fiber finenessaverage not higher than 3.9 micronaire. tipped oval shaped boll, anaverage number of 4-5 locules per boll and light yellow petals.
 24. Amethod of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plant breedingtechniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, as a source ofplant breeding material, the method comprising utilizing cotton plantsGossypium hirsutum designated line A-151, and Gossypium barbadensedesignated line R-208 as a source of breeding material.
 25. The methodof claim 24, wherein the plant breeding techniques are selected from thegroup consisting of recurrent selection, backcrossing, pedigreebreeding, restriction fragment length polymorphism enhanced selection,genetic marker enhanced selection, and transformation.
 26. A system fordeveloping a hybrid cotton plant using plant breeding techniques, thesystem comprising cotton plants A-151 and R-208 or parts of said cottonplants as a source of the breeding material.
 27. The system of claim 26,wherein at least one of said cotton plants is male sterile.
 28. A cottonplant characterized by a combination of traits leading to a commercialyield higher than at least one parent of the cotton plant under growthconditions, selected from the group consisting of suboptimal watersupply, suboptimal salinity, suboptimal temperature, suboptimal light, agrowth cycle period shorter than 160 days, and infestation of pathogens.29. The cotton plant of claim 28, wherein said pathogens are selectedfrom the group consisting of Verticillium spp., Fusarium spp., andAlternaria spp.
 30. The cotton plant of claim 28, wherein the cottonplant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-51 and its parents are cottonplants A-151 and R-208.
 31. A planted field comprising cotton plantsA-151 and R-208.
 32. The planted field of claim 31, wherein at least oneof said cotton plants is male sterile.
 33. The planted field of claim31, wherein the field is characterized by a planting pattern enablingcross pollination between cotton plants A-151 and R-208.
 34. A plantedfield comprising cotton plants B-151 and R-208.
 35. A hybrid cottonplant designated INTERCOTT-75, representative seed of said hybrid cottonplant having been deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.: PTA-4834.36. Seed of said hybrid cotton plant of claim
 35. 37. A tissue cultureof regenerable cells of said hybrid cotton plant of claim
 35. 38. Thetissue culture of claim 37, wherein the tissue culture regeneratesplants capable of expressing all the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of said hybrid cotton plant.
 39. A tissue culture ofclaim 38, wherein said tissue culture is regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.
 40. A cotton plant, or its parts,wherein at least one ancestor of said hybrid cotton plant is the cottonplant INTERCOTT-75, said cotton plant capable of expressing at least onetrait selected from the group consisting of a tolerance to suboptimalwater supply, a tolerance to salinity, a tolerance to suboptimaltemperature, a tolerance to suboptimal light, a resistance to Fusariumwilt, a resistance to Verticillium wilt, a resistance to Alternaria leafspot, an average period of 120 days to 50 percent open boll, a fiberlength average not lower than 1.32 inches, a fiber strength average notlower than 33 gram per tex, a fiber fineness average not higher than 3.9micronaire, tipped oval shaped boll, an average number of 4-5 loculesper boll and light yellow petals.
 41. A method of developing a hybridcotton plant using plant breeding techniques which employ a cottonplant, or its parts, as a source of plant breeding material, the methodcomprising utilizing cotton plants Gossypium hirsutum designated lineA-175 ATCC, and Gossypium barbadense designated line R-208 as a sourceof breeding material.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the plantbreeding techniques are selected from the group consisting of recurrentselection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection, andtransformation.
 43. A system for developing a hybrid cotton plant usingplant breeding techniques, the system comprising cotton plants A-175 andR-208 or parts of said cotton plants as a source of the breedingmaterial.
 44. The system of claim 43, wherein at least one of saidcotton plants is male sterile.
 45. A cotton plant characterized by acombination of traits leading to a commercial yield higher than at leastone parent of the cotton plant under growth conditions, selected fromthe group consisting of suboptimal water supply, suboptimal salinity,suboptimal temperature, suboptimal light, a growth cycle period shorterthan 150 days, and infestation of pathogens.
 46. The cotton plant ofclaim 45, wherein said pathogens are selected from the group consistingof Verticillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Alternaria spp.
 47. The cottonplant of claim 45, wherein the cotton plant is hybrid cotton plantINTERCOTT-75 and its parents are cotton plants A-175 and R-208.
 48. Aplanted field comprising cotton plants A-175 and R-208.
 49. The plantedfield of claim 48, wherein at least one of said cotton plants is malesterile.
 50. The planted field of claim 48, wherein the field ischaracterized by a planting pattern enabling cross pollination betweencotton plants A-175 and R-208.
 51. A planted field comprising cottonplants B-175 and R-208.
 52. A hybrid cotton plant designatedINTERCOTT-34, representative seed of said hybrid cotton plant havingbeen deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.: PTA-4831.
 53. Seed ofsaid hybrid cotton plant of claim
 52. 54. A tissue culture ofregenerable cells of said hybrid cotton plant of claim
 52. 55. Thetissue culture of claim 54, wherein the tissue culture regeneratesplants capable of expressing all the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of said hybrid cotton plant.
 56. A tissue culture ofclaim 55, wherein said tissue culture is regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.
 57. A cotton plant, or its parts,wherein at least one ancestor of said hybrid cotton plant is the cottonplant INTERCOTT-34, said cotton plant capable of expressing at least onetrait selected from the group consisting of a tolerance to suboptimalwater supply, a tolerance to salinity, a tolerance to suboptimaltemperature, a tolerance to suboptimal light, a resistance to Fusariumwilt, a resistance to Verticillium wilt, a resistance to Alternaria leafspot, an average period of 125 days to 50 percent open boll, a fiberlength average not lower than 1.33 inches, a fiber strength average notlower than 36 gram per tex, a fiber fineness average not higher than 4.0micronaire, tipped oval shaped boll, an average number of 4-5 loculesper boll and light yellow petals.
 58. A method of developing a hybridcotton plant using plant breeding techniques which employ a cottonplant, or its parts, as a source of plant breeding material, the methodcomprising utilizing cotton plants Gossypium hirsutum designated lineA-34, and Gossypium barbadense designated line R-208 as a source ofbreeding material.
 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the plantbreeding techniques are selected from the group consisting of recurrentselection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection, andtransformation.
 60. A system for developing a hybrid cotton plant usingplant breeding techniques, the system comprising cotton plants A-34 andR-208 or parts of said cotton plants as a source of the breedingmaterial.
 61. The system of claim 60, wherein at least one of saidcotton plants is male sterile.
 62. A cotton plant characterized by acombination of traits leading to a commercial yield higher than at leastone parent of the cotton plant under growth conditions, selected fromthe group consisting of suboptimal water supply, suboptimal salinity,suboptimal temperature, suboptimal light, a growth cycle period shorterthan 160 days, and infestation of pathogens.
 63. The cotton plant ofclaim 62, wherein said pathogens are selected from the group consistingof Verticillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Alternaria spp.
 64. The cottonplant of claim 62, wherein the cotton plant is hybrid cotton plantINTERCOTT-34 and its parents are cotton plants A-34 and R-208.
 65. Aplanted field comprising cotton plants A-34 and R-208.
 66. The plantedfield of claim 65, wherein at least one of said cotton plants is malesterile.
 67. The planted field of claim 65, wherein the field ischaracterized by a planting pattern enabling cross pollination betweencotton plants A-34 and R-208.
 68. A planted field comprising cottonplants B-34 and R-208.
 69. A hybrid cotton plant designatedINTERCOTT-145, representative seed of said hybrid cotton plant havingbeen deposited under ATCC Patent Depository No.: PTA-4836.
 70. Seed ofsaid hybrid cotton plant of claim
 69. 71. A tissue culture ofregenerable cells of said hybrid cotton plant of claim
 69. 72. Thetissue culture of claim 71, wherein the tissue culture regeneratesplants capable of expressing all the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of said hybrid cotton plant.
 73. A tissue culture ofclaim 72, wherein said tissue culture is regenerated from cells orprotoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting of seeds,leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals,flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.
 74. A cotton plant, or its parts,wherein at least one ancestor of said hybrid cotton plant is the cottonplant INTERCOTT-145, said cotton plant capable of expressing at leastone trait selected from the group consisting of a tolerance tosuboptimal water supply, a tolerance to salinity, a tolerance tosuboptimal temperature, a tolerance to suboptimal light, a resistance toFusarium wilt, a resistance to Verticillium wilt, a resistance toAlternaria leaf spot, tolerant to Cicadellidae insects, an averageperiod of 130 days to 50 percent open boll, a fiber length average notlower than 1.34 inches, a fiber strength average not lower than 35 gramper tex, a fiber fineness average not higher than 3.9 micronaire, tippedoval shaped boll, an average number of 4-5 locules per boll and lightyellow petals.
 75. A method of developing a hybrid cotton plant usingplant breeding techniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, asa source of plant breeding material, the method comprising utilizingcotton plants Gossypium hirsutum designated line A-14, and Gossypiumbarbadense designated line R-205 as a source of breeding material. 76.The method of claim 75, wherein the plant breeding techniques areselected from the group consisting of recurrent selection, backcrossing,pedigree breeding, restriction fragment length polymorphism enhancedselection, genetic marker enhanced selection, and transformation.
 77. Asystem for developing a hybrid cotton plant using plant breedingtechniques, the system comprising cotton plants A-14 and R-205 or partsof said cotton plants as a source of the breeding material.
 78. Thesystem of claim 77, wherein at least one of said cotton plants is malesterile.
 79. The system of claim 77, wherein at least one of said cottonplants exhibits a hair cover on leaves and stems of a density higherthan that of an Acala type cotton plant.
 80. A cotton plantcharacterized by a combination of traits leading to a commercial yieldhigher than at least one parent of the cotton plant under growthconditions, selected from the group consisting of suboptimal watersupply, suboptimal salinity, suboptimal temperature, suboptimal light, agrowth cycle, period shorter than 160 days, and infestation ofpathogens.
 81. The cotton plant of claim 80, wherein said pathogens areselected from the group consisting of Verticillium spp., Fusarium spp.,Alternaria spp and Cicadellidae spp.
 82. The cotton plant of claim 80,wherein the cotton plant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-145 and itsparents are cotton plants A-14 and R-205.
 83. A planted field comprisingcotton plants A-14 and R-205.
 84. The planted field of claim 83, whereinat least one of said cotton plants is male sterile.
 85. The plantedfield of claim 83, wherein the field is characterized by a plantingpattern enabling cross pollination between cotton plants A-14 and R-205.86. A planted field comprising cotton plants B-14 and R-205.
 87. Ahybrid cotton plant designated INTERCOTT-83, representative seed of saidhybrid cotton plant having been deposited under ATCC Patent DepositoryNo.: PTA-4835.
 88. Seed of said hybrid cotton plant of claim
 87. 89. Atissue culture of regenerable cells of said hybrid cotton plant of claim87.
 90. The tissue culture of claim 89, wherein the tissue cultureregenerates plants capable of expressing all the morphological andphysiological characteristics of said hybrid cotton plant.
 91. A tissueculture of claim 90, wherein said tissue culture is regenerated fromcells or protoplasts of a tissue selected from the group consisting ofseeds, leaves, stems, pollens, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules,petals, flowers, embryos, fibers and bolls.
 92. A cotton plant, or itsparts, wherein at least one ancestor of said hybrid cotton plant is thecotton plant INTERCOTT-83, said cotton plant capable of expressing atleast one trait selected from the group consisting of a tolerance tosuboptimal water supply, a tolerance to salinity, a tolerance tosuboptimal temperature, a tolerance to suboptimal light, a resistance toFusarium wilt, a resistance to Verticillium wilt, a resistance toAlternaria leaf spot, an average period of 125 days to 50 percent openboll, a fiber length average not lower than 1.33 inches, a fiberstrength average not lower than 34 gram per tex, a fiber finenessaverage not higher than 3.6 micronaire, tipped oval shaped boll, anaverage number of 4-5 locules per boll and light yellow petals.
 93. Amethod of developing a hybrid cotton plant using plant breedingtechniques which employ a cotton plant, or its parts, as a source ofplant breeding material, the method comprising utilizing cotton plantsGossypium hirsutum designated line A-83, and Gossypium barbadensedesignated line R-208 as a source of breeding material.
 94. The methodof claim 93, wherein the plant breeding techniques are selected from thegroup consisting of recurrent selection, backcrossing, pedigreebreeding, restriction fragment length polymorphism enhanced selection,genetic marker enhanced selection, and transformation.
 95. A system fordeveloping a hybrid cotton plant using plant breeding techniques, thesystem comprising cotton plants A-83 and R-208 or parts of said cottonplants as a source of the breeding material.
 96. The system of claim 95,wherein at least one of said cotton plants is male sterile.
 97. A cottonplant characterized by a combination of traits leading to a commercialyield higher than at least one parent of the cotton plant under growthconditions, selected from the group consisting of suboptimal watersupply, suboptimal salinity, suboptimal temperature, suboptimal light, agrowth cycle period shorter than 160 days, and infestation of pathogens.98. The cotton plant of claim 97, further characterized by a naked Pimatype seed coat.
 99. The cotton plant of claim 97, wherein said pathogensare selected from the group consisting of Verticillium spp., Fusariumspp., and Alternaria spp.
 100. The cotton plant of claim 97, wherein thecotton plant is hybrid cotton plant INTERCOTT-83 and its parents arecotton plants A-83 and R-208.
 101. A planted field comprising cottonplants A-83 and R-208.
 102. The planted field of claim 101, wherein atleast one of said cotton plants is male sterile.
 103. The planted fieldof claim 101, wherein the field is characterized by a planting patternenabling cross pollination between cotton plants A-83 and R-208.
 104. Aplanted field comprising cotton plants B-83 and R-208.
 105. A method ofdeveloping a hybrid cotton plant using plant breeding techniques, themethod comprising utilizing a first cotton plant selected from the groupconsisting of A-195, A-151, A-175, A-34, A-14 and A-83, and a secondcotton plant selected from the group consisting of R-205 and R-208, assources of breeding material.
 106. A system for developing a hybridcotton plant using plant breeding techniques, the system comprisingutilizing a first cotton plant selected from the group consisting ofA-195, A-151, A-175, A-34, A-14 and A-83, and a second cotton plantselected from the group consisting of R-205 and R-208, as sources ofbreeding material.